August Stamp of the Month

Don't miss the chance to get this great set. Only available the month of August.

Be the first to see new products in the catalog. I will have a catalog unveiling on August 31, from 1 to 3 in the afternoon and 5 to 8 in the evening.

Check out these great samples

Here are some samples I did and a good friend of mine did for national convention, Jennifer Wall. These samples are done using the Laid Back Thing from the Summer Catalog.

Where does the time GO!

I know it has been a few weeks since I updated my blog. But never fear, I am hear again! What have I been doing, well, I have been getting ready to teach at the Close To My Heart National convention. I am excited as I have got to play with new stamps and products. Watch for samples in the coming months.

But for know check out this great sample, these are using the new solo alphabets. (more samples can be found on my web site) They are so much fun. There are 26 different sets, with 1 letter in 2 sizes and words to go along with the letters. You can check them out on my web site www.amanda.myctmh.com, under shopping.

What to do with Paper Scraps

First and foremost keep all of your scraps, no matter how small! You can use them. Here is a list of things you can do:

For larger pieces:
Make a blank tag
Cut out a die cut
Cut 4 or 5 smaller tags for letters in a topper
Use in serendipity paper

For medium size pieces:
Punch out those punchies!!
Cut out letters
Make punch stencils
Combine them with larger scraps and fill that blank tag ;-)
Use in serendipity paper

For really small scraps:
Separate by color and make handmade paper.
if it can be punched, it isn't small enough
Use in serendipity paper

Thank you Nancy Brown for this great sample using the March Stamp of The Month. Remember that March 31st is the last day to order this set and get a free set of stamps with any order over $40.

Lucky You!

Free My Acrylix This March!

When you place a $40 order in the month of March, you’ll receive the My Acrylix stamp set of your choice—absolutely FREE* (a savings of up to $22.95!)

Choose One Free Stamp Set!
Our premium-quality My Acrylix stamp sets are the most innovative in the industry. Easy to use and simple to store, they offer artistic precision and creative control on project after project.
Learn More
* One free stamp set per purchase. Choose free stamp set from any current set offered by Close To My Heart with the exception of March Stamp of the Month. Free item will be the highest priced stamp set on the customer order. Tax must be collected on retail value of free item; no shipping is charged on free item. Offer valid on orders placed March 10 – March 31, 2006 only..

Sincerely, Amanda Mueller
Heart of Stamps
email: amanda@myctmh.com
web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=e6cyttbab.0.hvkqsobab.ahotnobab.5&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amanda.myctmh.com

Scrapbooking Ideas10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Diving in head first and then becoming overwhelmed. Slow down, scrapbooking is not only enjoying the project, but enjoying the process. One page at a time!
Not having a place to put your scrapbooking stuff. Start out with some organization in mind before your things get ruined because you have no place to put it.
Buying too many supplies just "because". Get your basic supplies and then purchase by project.
Not having a realistic budget. Scrapbooking is fun and can be costly - although the finished projects are priceless. Set a realistic monthly budget and stick too it.
Learn about what is safe and what isn't and don't assume something is safe if it isn't marked. Products need to be acid free.
Not making the time for scrapbooking. It doesn't have to take hours, just do a little bit at a time, but make the time!
Taking the word of a 'scrapbooking consultant' as gospel. While these people are knowledgable, they do have a product to sell. Look around and get the best bang for your buck on your tools and products.
Using glue on photos. Use adhesive tabs or photo tape instead.
Over cropping your photos. Don't cut everything out, you can have more than one scrapbook page for an event.
Under cropping your photos. Get rid of unnecessary backgrounds and get to the heart of each picture.

Never a better time to start

With March being album mania, what a better time to get started. Not sure how to start or what you need? Let me help you with this.

This tip is going to focus on basic NEEDS to get started.
Before I list out what is needed to get started however, I want to offer a word of caution. Do not skimp on tools or supplies. You will find that you will only replace these items later if you do.

You will need:

• An album - I would suggest you take advantage of this months special and get an 12x12 Linen album. We have 12 colors to pick from. (we also have a wonderful Leather album)
• Paper Trimmer- I highly recommend Euro personal Paper Trimmer (z338)
• Cardstock or paper Pack - We have over 20 different ones to pick from, I recommend to start with start simple. Pick a kit that fits your style and personality.
• Photos - I am sure we all have some of these if we are thinking about scrapbooking at all.
• Adhesive - I use different ones for different times. If you are only looking to buy one, I would recommend the tombow Mono Adhesive. (1514)
• Scissors - You really need a good pair. This will make a difference. My suggestion is the Micro-Tip Scissors by Close To My Heart (z534)
• Ink pen - I recommend the My Legacy Writer Color set, there are 8 colors, these are a fine tip marker great for journaling. (4206)

Sample created by Michelle Loader

Scrapbooking Tip #14 Get Four 5X7 Mats Out of One 12X12 Sheet

To get four 5X7" mats out of one 12X12" piece of cardstock, use these directions:

In your paper trimmer, place paper at the 5" mark. Then cut up 7 inches. Take the paper out and turn it a quarter turn. Place paper at the 5" mark again and cut up 7 inches. This will give you your first mat. Repeat process again after turning the page a quarter turn. When finished you should have four 5X7 mats an a small square.

5 Things to Do with Double Prints

If you get free double prints or you order them, be sure to use them! Don't let them take up space in your photo box. Here are a few ideas:

• Send them out to a friend or loved one.
• Make a quickie brag book or mini album (Like our 3x3 album) to show off at work.
• Do a page with them for relatives to add to their scrapbook.
• Place them in a college photo frame for a gift.
• Give them to your child to play with or scrapbook themselves.
  

Check out a sample from the March Stamp of the Month

This was created by Sue Laufer

C1230 Speckled Eggs

Garden Green Cardstock, B&T paper and Ink

Colonial White Cardstock

5/8" Ivory Organdy Ribbon (Z101)

Just think any color would work. What a great idea!

Saturday

Sorry for not posting yesterday, I did not have any internet connection for most of the day. Saturday was spent with my family. We had a great time. I am hoping to stamp for fun this evening. I will try and post a sample on Sunday.

Amanda

How do you?

Thursday's will be my day to give you a nice how do you do that tip. There are so many great pieces of art work out there, but how do you come up with them. Well for me it is a matter of using the resources I have, I use the idea books, like Cherish (9029) for scrapbooking layout, or Color combination(z1004) guide when I am feeling color challenged or The Originals Card confident program (9024, 9027, 9028) for designing cards. What is nice is using these pieces together to come up with great ideas. I catalog also has some great ideas and tip and techniques. If you do not have one of these you need one!

Special of the day

I am going to run specials from time to time on my blog. Today's special is the first 3 people to place an order with me will receive 20% off there whole order. You will need to tell me your read about it on my blog to receive the special.

Just Added Another Class for March

How you would you like to get 16 pages done in one setting? That is what you will do. The class cost if $50 for $74.75 in product. You will not want to miss out. What you need to do is pick any of the my reflections kits from the catalog, any 12x12 linen album (27.95 value), any Stamp set and 12x12 base pages. Class dates are Sunday March 26th, 2:00, or Monday March 27th, 7:00 or Tuesday March 28th at 9:00. Come once, come twice or all 3 times and get 3 different books done. This offer will not be repeated. You must place your order no latter than March 13 to insure delivery for your class.

If you have any questions just email me!

Tip Tuesday!

Do you ever wonder how to store all those rolls of ribbon? I found a CD rack that works great. I can see all my ribbon but yet have it nice and neat.

Watch for more time and ideas in the coming days!

Albumania

Watch for updates 5 times a week. Watch for tips and techniques and specials!

Would you like to get an 12x12 album for only $5!Order from me any D size set of stamps and My Reflections kit and pick any linen album for only $5 or pick any 12x12 for just a little more $Leather: $27.95 (vs. $49.95)Simulated Leather: $17.00 (vs. $39.95)Floral Impressions: $12.00 (vs. $34.95)Linen: $5.00 (vs. $27.95)Harvest: $5.00 (vs. $27.95)Know is the time to stock up on albums. This specials starts March 1 and end March 31. Don't miss out.

I will take your orders on Tuesday and place them first thing on the 1st. Looking forward to talking to everyone. More details are under Albumania

Watch for a great tip on Tuesday.

Checking out the new technology. I can not wait to post more pictures.